Airfield Firefighter Assistant Chief at State of Arizona

DEPT OF EMERGENCY AND MILITARY AFFAIRS

The Department of Emergency & Military Affairs (DEMA), led by The Adjutant General, provides emergency management and military capabilities to the citizens of Arizona and the nation. The Emergency Management Division consists of three sections—operations, preparedness, and financial administration. Each section works collaboratively across the agency and with external partners to manage emergency responses and reduce the impacts of disasters. Additionally, DEMA is the headquarters for the Arizona National Guard, the primary combat reserve of the United States military. The Arizona Army and Air National Guard provide military forces and equipment to accomplish community, state, and federal missions.

Ma Airfield Firefighter Assistant Chief

Job Location:

Work Location: 162 Air Wing/CES

Tucson, AZ

Posting Details

Salary: Up to $26.4169 per hour (DOE)

Grade: 18

Closing Date: November 14, 2025

Job Summary

The primary purpose of an Assistant Chief of Prevention is the supervision of the fire prevention programs per DoDI 6055.6., DAFI 32-2001, UFC, and NFPA. Works with military traditional guardsmen, technicians, and/or state employees. As the Assistant Chief of Prevention, participates in the administration and planning of a comprehensive fire prevention program at the installation. Manages the Hazard Assessment Inspection Program, Public Fire Prevention and Education Program. Responsible for implementing internal controls, self-inspection, and audit compliance. Ensures education in and compliance with security directives for employees having access to classified/computer information. Coordinates with the Fire Chief, and other supervisors in the development and implementation of policies. Prepares, executes, and schedules assignments of subordinate personnel to inspection and training duties to ensure the installation meets the training requirements provided by the Department of the Air Force and the Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs. Maintains current knowledge of the base, its structures, and all systems related to fire protection and prevention. Prepares facilities inspection schedules for all buildings. Directs follow-up inspections for all systems that have been out of order or repaired. Develops recommendations for the Fire Chief on the level and mixture of resources needed to ensure an effective and efficient program. Inspects maintenance of all suppression and detection systems on the installation. Identifies and reviews status of base fire deficiencies on a regular and recurring basis and effects necessary corrective action within program concepts. Authorized to make Company Level decisions concerning assignment of personnel on shifts, operations at emergency scenes, ongoing safety protocols, and quality controls. Sets priority of shift work projects and authorizes emergency use of overtime. Participates in recommended personnel actions, pre-fire plans, fire prevention programs, fire safety education, fire extinguisher plans, employee evacuation plans, etc. Actively participates in promoting a continuous improvement workplace culture, through the use of teamwork, root cause problem solving, standard operating procedures, and review of performance metrics.

Job Duties

Responsibilities include:

• Perform building fire prevention inspections to include fire department facility for deficiencies. Recommend corrective action IAW the fire codes and document findings, report this information to the Fire Chief. Compile all deficiency reports. Perform fire prevention/education training to other personnel on the Installation and the public as assigned.
• Prepare and develop Standard Operating Guidelines/Policies based on interpretation and/or adaptation of instructions and policies formulated by higher headquarters or other federal government agencies as directed by the Fire Chief and DOD, Air Force, NGB, State of Arizona, NFPA, and OSHA publications, regulations, guidance, and policy. Responsible for review of base plans, policies, strategy, tactics, and procedures for fire suppression and prevention to ensure compliance with current and new national consensus standards, National Fire Codes, uniform building codes, Code of Federal Regulations, OSHA policies and procedures, and environmental laws and regulations as they apply to fire protection. Recommends development or updates of departmental policy to the Fire Chief, to ensure compliance with current regulations. Responsible for correcting deficiencies found in operational procedures or techniques through follow-up training.
• Assign, direct, observe and review the work of other employees who assist in carrying out program activities to ensure compliance. Supervise and participate in facility inspections. Monitor building storage lists for hazardous materials including review of material safety data sheets to determine NFPA 704 hazardous category level for emergency response.
• Implement Prevention programs in coordination with department leadership and in coordination with the Fire Chief and other assistant chiefs. Make modifications to program methods and approaches. Ensure the maintenance of reference materials. Oversee the development or revision of pre-fire plans. Prepare building inspection schedules for approval.
• Track personnel efforts for the following areas: hydrant testing, fire extinguisher inspections, fire alarm/fire suppression inspection and testing, pre-fire plans, or employee evacuation plans/fire drills. Responsible for the daily written reports, and all other daily documentation as assigned. Evaluate the performance and proficiency of all personnel during training sessions and actual emergencies.
• Develop, plan, and implement department goals and objectives. Participate in the development and administration of the department budget. Participate in the forecast of funds; identify needs, recommend acquisition of, and budgets needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies. Monitor and approve expenditures. Implement mid-year adjustments.
• Respond to aircraft emergencies, structural fires, hazardous material incidents, emergency medical calls, alarm system signals, or other emergency incidents. Shall review the size-up provided by the crew chief and make the decisions for strategy and tactics involved with the incident. Shall be responsible for coordinating with dispatch for the activation of mutual aid resources if necessary. Sets priority of shift work projects and authorizes emergency use of overtime.
• Other duties as assigned as related to the position (typically 5% - 10%)
  
  

Knowledge Of

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):

• Practices, principles, and methods in directing firefighting crews to combat fires involving aircraft, structures, equipment, facilities, fuel, chemicals, and explosives.
• Practices, principles, and methods in directing activities of a fire vehicle and its crew during routine standbys and emergencies.
• Practices, principles, and methods of emergency medical care including legal responsibilities and local protocols for providing said services.
• Practices, principles and methods of fire department supervision and management.
• Hazardous material incidents to the operations level.
• The theory, principles, methods, techniques, and practices of firefighting and rescue operations.
• The Unified Facility Criteria (UFC) and National Fire Protection Association Standards for plan reviews and inspection.
• Aircraft construction features to include batteries, switches, fuel tanks, escape hatches, seat mechanisms, armament locations, etc.
• The operation of desktop computers, software, and peripherals.
• The Accreditation program administered by the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI).
• Principles and practices of leadership and supervision.
  
  

Skilled In

• Fire department administration and supervision.
• Directing the activities of a fire vehicle and its crew during routine standbys, stressful or dangerous conditions and/or emergencies.
• Performing Incident Commander duties during emergencies.
• Mitigation of both emergency and non-emergency situations.
• Hazardous materials emergency response procedures, equipment, identification, and mitigation.
• Fire fighting for structural and crash responses to include tactics and strategy.
• Driving/operating crash vehicles and other emergency equipment/apparatus of significant complexity.
• Operation of fire department communications equipment.
• Use of different firefighting chemicals such as halon, foam, COs, dry powders, etc.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Effective training, instruction, guidance, and supervision to subordinate staff.
• Ability to organize thoughts and effectively communicate those ideas in a timely manner to personnel.
• Utilizing computer program Microsoft Office applications to include Word, Excel, and Power Point.
• Writing criterion statements properly under time constraints.
• Briefing Commanders/Supervisors on base fire deficiencies.
• Reviewing building construction plans
  
  

Ability To

• Provide fire protection for buildings, shops, warehouses, fuel and explosive storage areas, and a variety of other structures and facilities.
• Control and extinguish fires, operate hose lines, make forced entries, ventilate structures, perform or assist in rescue operations including administering first aid to injured victims and perform salvage and overhaul operations.
• Function physically and mentally while in extreme physical danger (requires possession of emotional and mental stability in stressful situations).
• Combat fires or rescue personnel where conditions create very difficult and dangerous situations.
• Perform heavy lifting and have physical dexterity to climb and maneuver in tight spaces. Capable of arduous physical exertion under rigorous and unusual conditions.
• Physically become familiar with the layout, nature, and location of particular hazards and the location of fixed protection systems in order to perform pre-fire planning.
• Track trends and practices to identify and reduce hazardous conditions and procedures.
• Read, write, speak, and understand the English language.
• Compose thorough administrative and incident reports.
• Compose criterion statements in a timely manner.
• Accurately and concisely communicate, both verbal and written communications.
  
  

Selective Preference(s)

Previous experience running a program within a fire department which includes developing presentations and/or written reports to supervisors, budget management and procurement of equipment and supplies. Familiarity with all Microsoft Office programs. Experience utilizing NFPA codes. Experience as an Incident Commander. Experience as an Inspector. EMT experience preferred. Desired qualifications include any combination of experience, education, and training that meets the knowledge, skills, and abilities as described.

Pre-Employment Requirements

Special Job Requirements:

• This position requires possession of and ability to retain a current, valid Arizona state-issued driver's license appropriate to the assignment. Employees who drive on state business are subject to driver's license record checks, must maintain acceptable driving records and must complete any required driver training (see Arizona Administrative Code R2-10-207.12.) In-State travel is required.
• Candidates for this position will be required to submit to a criminal background investigation as well as possess the ability to achieve a favorable Tier 3 investigation for the purpose of obtaining/maintaining a Secret clearance eligibility and Common Access Card (CAC) within one year of hire.
• Employment is contingent on favorable post-offer medical/physical examination and the agency's ability to reasonably accommodate any restrictions. Must comply with a pre-placement and annual firefighter physical in accordance with NFPA standard.
• The following certifications are required prior to date of hire into the position: Airport Fire Fighter, Fire fighter I and II, HAZMAT Awareness, Operations, and Incident Commander, Apparatus Driver-Operator Pumper, ARFF and Mobile Water Supply, Fire Officer I, II, & III , Fire Instructor I, II, Fire Inspector / Fire Inspector III, Incident Safety Officer, Arizona or National Registry Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) or higher, First Responder CPR. National Incident Management courses 100, 200, 300, 400, 700 & 800 (or Air Force approved equivalent). Certifications must be recognized by the Department of Defense, the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC), or the National Board on Fire Service Professional Qualifications (PROBOARD).
  
  

If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business, then the following requirements apply: Driver’s License Requirements.

All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

Benefits

The Arizona Department of Administration offers a comprehensive benefits package to include:

Sick leave

Vacation with 10 paid holidays per year

Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program).

Health and dental insurance

Retirement plan

Life insurance and long-term disability insurance

Optional employee benefits include short-term disability insurance, deferred compensation plans, and supplemental life insurance

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave pilot program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

Retirement

Eligible DEMA employees participate in excellent retirement programs provided by the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) and for fire personnel the Public Safety Personnel Retirement System (PSPRS).

Contact Us

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact [email protected].

DEMA is a smoke-free work environment.

ADA/EEO Employer

The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity and Reasonable Accommodation Employer